Questions:
Answers
What temperature should my thermostat be set for?
If your system has been designed properly, you should set the thermostat for your comfort level. During the cooling season, anywhere from 76 degrees to 82 degrees is common. During the heating season, settings typically range between 66 degrees to 74.
How often should the air conditioning system be serviced?
Dependant upon the age of the system, you may want to have each system serviced twice a year. Most manufacturers recommend a maintenance be performed twice a year on their HVAC equipment. We recommend contacting us directly so we can design a program for you.
Is my gas furnace safe?
Unless the system is very old (over 15 years), and has not been properly maintained, it should be relatively safe. The newer systems do not have an open pilot, therefore being much less of a safety concern. If you are concerned, please contact us and we can come out and evaluate your furnace and give you our recommendations.
What is a SEER?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Above and beyond that, it is basically the rating the government set so each unit manufacturer would rate all units equally, hence giving the consumer an accurate sense of what they are purchasing. SEER is the number of BTU’s per watt. The more BTU’s per watt, the less it will cost to run the system.
How does a heat pump work?
**A heat pump works just like an air conditioner, but during the demand for heating the refrigerant cycle is reversed, with a “reversing valve” and the hot (high pressure) refrigerant is pumped into the indoor coil, thus delivering heating into the structure.
**The first heat pump was a window unit with controls on both the front and rear of the unit. This window unit sat in a track. To change from cooling to heating, the unit was pulled out, turned around, and reinstalled.
Is a heat pump the most efficient unit I can get?
Not necessarily. The design of the unit and quality of the installation will determine the efficiency realized by you, the consumer. Efficiency is dependant on the cost of the power, be it electricity, gas, or propane. It is important to point out, however a heat pump is best applied in a mild climate.
Is a gas furnace more efficient than a heat pump, or electric heat?
Again, dependant on the application, the installation itself, installation expense, and cost of energy, the efficiency can be affected. Contact us today to determine what type of system will best meet your needs.
Should I run my air conditioner and my cooler at the same time?
It is not recommended, as one system cools by adding humidity, and the other cools by removing humidity. If your system was designed properly, it will have a “barometric damper” installed into the ductwork. The evaporative cooler adds humidity to the space, and the air conditioner works by removing humidity from the space. The barometric damper prevents air from flowing through the ductwork and out the cooler when the air conditioning is on. If there is one installed on the air conditioner side, that one prevents the evaporative cooler air from blowing back into the indoor coil, and out the return. Occasionally barometric dampers may become stuck, and need to be inspected.
When should I run my evaporative cooler?
Dependant upon your comfort level, an evaporative cooler may typically be used during the months of March, April, May, June, September, October, November, and occasionally during all of the other months. During high humidity days, the evaporative cooler will be less effective at cooling and achieving comfort.
Why is there water running off my roof?
The water coming off the roof, or also out of a pvc pipe is called condensation. An air conditioner creates condensation during the cooling process. Evaporative coolers also have water run off as a part of normal functioning. If you notice a significant increase in the amount of water, please contact Jolly Air Conditioning so we can come out and determine if there has been a failure in your system. You may want to also verify your unit is level.
Please also note: Split systems have an air handler inside the structure, typically in the attic. The indoor coil has a drain attached to it, which usually runs to the outside of the structure wall. If a reputable contractor installed your system there will be a secondary pan and drain. If the primary drain becomes plugged, and the secondary either doesn’t exist or also fails, significant property damage may result. This is an important reason for proper maintenance on your property.
How long should my new air conditioner last?
If any major repairs are needed after the compressor warranty expires, you may want to consider replacing the unit. Typically a properly installed system will last a minimum of 8 to 12 years.
I recently had a company call me, and give me a great deal on a maintenance contract where they come out twice a year and even give me a free pound of freon. The guy was just here, and even though my unit has been working just fine, he says I need some parts replaced. How long should these parts last, and how do you know when they fail – if the unit is still working?
Two points: Anything can be fixed, and after a minute of run time, a unit is old. #2 A refrigeration system is a closed circuit - This means the refrigerant does not evaporate, or disappear. If refrigerant is needed, then there is a leak, which must be found and repaired.
There is a point when a part is considered “worn” enough that it may warrant replacement. Typically if you can see “burnt” areas at the contactor, or anywhere within the wiring then you may want to consider replacing the contactor. But remember, the points on the contactor will always have some black carbon looking residue on them.
Some parts will show aging and need to be replaced in a timely manner, and only an experienced technician will know the difference. Routine preventive maintenance allows your service company to get familiar with your HVAC equipment. They will know when any parts could be replaced.
Should I build a shade cover for my unit?
NO. This is a common misnomer. The condenser coil works when the air is able to flow through the coil, typically flowing through the sides, and out the top of the unit. If this area is restricted, in any way the operation of the unit will be affected. It is suggested a minimum of 36" around the perimiter of the unit, and nothing over the top of it - for most applications.
Should I run the ceiling fan during the day to make my house cooler?
The ceiling fan does not lower the temperature in the house. Humans cool via the evaporation of sweat on our skin, which creates a cooling effect. The added airflow from the ceiling fan can enhance this effect and make you feel more comfortable.
How often should I change my filter?
Monthly, during high usage periods, and every two months during lighter usage months. Once again, the filter must be changed when it is dirty, and begins to markedly restrict the airflow. Jolly Air Conditioning commonly recommends to our clients to change the filter at the first of each month.
What SEER is my unit?
Dependant upon the age of the equipment, and the original SEER rating of your equipment, it’s SEER rating can typically range from 6 SEER to 12 SEER. Call Jolly Air Conditioning if you are concerned about your existing unit, and we can come out and provide a professional evaluation of your equipment, visit with you to determine your wants and needs, and suggest repairs/improvements or even replacement of the system to improve your efficiency.
Does my unit need one of those “U” shaped drains?
The “U” shaped part of the drain is called a “P-trap” and is required on many systems. The drain is necessary so the condensation can escape, but the condensation only trickles out, leaving most of the pipe full of air. On many units, the design of the system creates a situation where this hot air in the pipe can be sucked into the unit. The reason for the “P-trap” is to prevent any outside air from entering the system. The P-trap creates a water column thus preventing air from traveling through the pipe. A vent is also typically a necessary part of your drainage piping. The vent MUST be down the line from the P-trap or it will render the P-trap useless.
Which Refrigerant should I buy in a new system?
R22, R12, Puron, R410a, R134a, R409... This can all be very confusing! Which refrigerant to use is dependant upon the application. In a new system, R22 is still very common, but the Montreal Protocol (1989) called for a stepwise reduction and eventual production phase out of various refrigerants in developed countries. In 2010, R22 will no longer be used in new equipment, and in 2020 it will cease to be sold. Jolly Air is licensed and certified in these new refrigerants, and ready to offer you these products as they come available. Please call us or email us with any questions about the E.P.A. or these refrigerants.
If I get "90 days same as cash" do I still have to make payments?
That depends on the program we set up for your financing. Sometimes we can offer deferred payments, and interest for 90 days. Occassionally we can offer 12 months same as cash. Our financing is O.A.C. (On Approved Credit.)
How does Duct Cleaning work?
Your air conditioning and heating unit supplies air through ductwork and registers. These registers are removed, cleaned and sanitized. We use either a portable, or high powered truck mounted vacuum system that is 150 horsepower and utilizes high pressure air tools. The entire system is then treated with an EPA approved and registered anti-microbials which kill and stop further growth of odor and allergy causing mold, mildew & bacteria for two full years!
What do I do if I see water coming out of the return?
If you haven't changed your air conditioning filter frequently, we would suggest you check it to see if it is dirty. Then give us a call and schedule us to come out before serious damage is done to your property. There are several reasons why a unit might leak water into the conditioned space -but none of them are good for your unit -or your property.
Are you a LEED certified contractor?
Jolly Air Conditioning & Heating offers a full line of LEED certified equipment. Energy Star is a government program which sets a standard for energy efficient equipment and appliances.
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